Definitions

deficit

[def-uh-sit, dih-fis-it] / ˈdɛf ə sɪt, dɪˈfɪs ɪt /

NOUN

shortage of something needed, required

Synonyms

STRONGEST

loss shortfall

STRONG

arrears defalcation default deficiency dues inadequacy insufficiency lack paucity scantiness shortcoming

WEAK

dead horse due bill in hock in the hole in the red insufficience red ink underage

Antonyms

STRONG

abundance adequacy advantage enough perfection plenty satisfaction success sufficiency

WEAK

excess superfluousness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Scotland were unable to narrow the deficit in the second quarter, leaving head coach Gregor Townsend with an enormous half-time team talk.

From BBC

Russia has posted a budget deficit in every year since it ordered troops into Ukraine and expects to do so again in 2026.

From Barron's

That number is likely to approach 12 million barrels per day by the end of next week, “making the deficit highly visible across physical markets.”

From MarketWatch

While growth-inflation considerations justify more fiscal and monetary easing, concerns about the fiscal deficit exceeding the legal ceiling could keep policymakers wary about making any moves until the headwinds ease.

From The Wall Street Journal

The global market is currently losing roughly 12.5 million barrels a day of supply, a deficit that could narrow to around 9 million barrels a day as Saudi Arabia boosts shipments via Yanbu.

From The Wall Street Journal

deficit

Example Sentences

Related Words